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ConflictsSyria

Kurds in northeastern Syria fear end of autonomy

Mohamad Chreyteh | Ahmad Baderkhan | Mohamad Daboul in Syria
February 6, 2026

Under a ceasefire agreement with the Kurdish-led SDF, Syrian government troops have entered Kurdish strongholds, with the stated goal of facilitating Kurds' integration. But the situation is volatile, as DW found out.

https://p.dw.com/p/58GKB

Syrian government forces are reentering parts of northeast Syria after the SDF withdrew from Arab‑majority areas, prompting relief among some Arab residents but concern among Kurds.

Access to the city of al‑Hasakah remains restricted amid ceasefire breaches and tension between government troops and Kurdish fighters. Despite a new decree recognizing Kurdish language rights, many Kurds fear their future remains uncertain.